Roberto De Zerbi has been sounded out as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager.
De Zerbi’s attractive possession-based style of play and the 44-year-old’s feat of qualifying Brighton for European football last year for the first time in the club’s history have impressed Jim Ratcliffe, who controls football operations at United having purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in the club last year.
It is understood that De Zerbi has been contacted by United with regard to succeeding Ten Hag who is likely to be sacked. The Italian left Brighton by mutual consent at the end of the recent season.
Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank are also on the shortlist to replace Ten Hag, who came out fighting having led United to the FA Cup on Saturday. “I don’t think about this [my future],” said the Dutchman after his team’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley. “I am in a project. We are exactly where we want to be. We are constructing a team. When I took over it was a mess. The team is developing and winning. It is about winning trophies. The team plays to an identity. You need a strong squad.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confident side ‘going in the right direction’ for Arsenal clash
José Mourinho wants Newcastle manager’s job if Eddie Howe leaves
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson notes value of Wyscout player-tracking app
Diallo ends Manchester United’s European drought; 10-man Spurs fall to Galatasaray
“Two trophies in two years is not bad. I am not satisfied. If they don’t want me any more I will go [somewhere else] to win trophies because that is what I do in my whole career.”
Tuchel was previously the favourite to replace Ten Hag but Ratcliffe is an admirer of all the candidates and is keeping an open mind. The Ineos billionaire is also this week leading a season review after which Ten Hag will learn for sure if he is to be removed from his post. The 54-year-old’s position is in jeopardy after a dismal campaign in which United finished 8th, their lowest position of the Premier League era.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis